Masters 2010: 10 Great Performances in Masters History

The history of The Masters is one of great performances. From Gene Sarazen to Tiger Woods, the spectacle of The Masters is one that rarely disappoints.

Started in 1934 by Clifford Roberts and Bobby Jones, The Masters has become one of the largest events in the golfing world.

Here are 10 performances that gave The Masters its prestige. Most of them are "comebacks," as that is where greatness truly shines through.

This list is by no means comprehensive, but it's a start.

1960 Arnold Palmer Beats Ken Venturi

Ken Venturi, prior to his car accident in 1961, was considered to be one of the best golfers in the game.

Paired up with Arnold Palmer on the final day in 1960, Palmer showed nerves of steel to birdie the last two holes and claim his second Green Jacket by one stroke.

1935: Gene Sarazen's Double Eagle

Gene Sarazen, one of the game's greatest, cemented his status in the 1935 Masters with the "Shot Heard 'Round The World," a double eagle on the Par Five 15th hole.

Sarazen forced a 36-hole playoff with Craig Wood, which Sarazen won by five strokes.

1937: Byron Nelson Sets a Record

Byron Nelson made up six strokes on Ralph Guldahl over two holes in the 1937 Masters. That was after Nelson had shot an opening round 66, a record that would stand until Raymond Floyd shot an opening-round 65 in 1976.

The Nelson Bridge at the 13th hole was dedicated in 1958 to commemorate that feat.

1959: Art Wall Birdies Five out of Last Six Holes

The PGA Player of the Year in 1959, Art Wall Shot a final-round 66, including birdies on five of the last six holes, passing 12 players on his way to winning by one stroke

One of the most notable victims of Wall's incredible run was Arnold Palmer.

2004: Phil Mickelson Wins His First Green Jacket

Phil Mickelson, after having shot a 69 on Saturday to take the lead, took on and defeated Ernie Els to claim his first ever Green Jacket and first major.

Mickelson nailed an 18-foot birdie on the 18th hole to defeat Els. Els was -8 at one point and had two eagles on the round, but that wasn't good enough to stop Mickelson that day.

Mickelson's victory leap became one of the most recognizable photos of the year.

2005: Tiger Woods Holds Off Chris DiMarco

Tiger Woods won his fourth Green Jacket after a thrilling two-day duel with Chris DiMarco that went to a playoff hole.

Entering Sunday with a three-shot lead, Woods was kept on his toes by a very focused DiMarco. Woods made a very memorable birdie on the 16th hole, only to see DiMarco keep his composure and force a playoff.

However, Woods birdied the playoff hole and left DiMarco a runner-up for the second time in a major.

1975: Jack Nicklaus Wins His Fifth Green Jacket

To win his fifth Green Jacket, all Jack Nicklaus had to do was hold off Johnny Miller and Tom Weiskopf.

Nicklaus had a 40-foot putt on the often mentioned 16th hole on his way to the victory.

Nicklaus earned this jacket as part of a great year, as he would go on to win PGA Player of the Year.

1996: Greg Norman's Meltdown

The "greatness" of Greg Norman's final round in 1996 can not be debated because it is the greatest meltdown in the history of the Masters, second only to Ken Venturi's collapse in 1956.

Norman entered the final round with a six-shot lead, but shot a 78 and lost to Nick Faldo by five strokes.

Starting with the ninth hole, Norman shot three straight bogeys, followed by a double bogey on the 12th. He the put the ball in the water on the 16th, but by then, his fate had been sealed.

1997: Tiger Woods Assumes Ownership of Golf

Coming just one year after Greg Norman's epic meltdown, Tiger Woods announced to the world he was for real by winning the Masters in dominating fashion.

Woods left no doubt as to how good he was by winning the tournament by 12 strokes over second place finisher Tom Kite. His score also was 18 below par, breaking the record.

1986: Jack Nicklaus Wins His Sixth Green Jacket

On his way to his sixth Masters victory, all Nicklaus did was post a six-under par 30 on the back nine for a final round of seven-under par 65.

At the 17th hole, Nicklaus hit his second shot to within 18 feet and got the birdie. He then made par on the 18th to seal his sixth victory at Augusta.

Nicklaus played the final 10 holes seven under par with six birdies and an eagle. He did all of this at age 46.